April 17, 2026
Candle Lighting: 7:25 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
What really shapes a child’s soul? This week’s Parshah Tazria-Metzora begins with childbirth, purity, and the brit milah (circumcision) on the eighth day. At first glance, it seems technical. But underneath it is a profound message about parenthood, and the sacred bond between parents and children.
A mother brings life into the world through sacrifice, devotion, and deep emotional strength. A son learns from her what love looks like before he understands words. And a father, through his presence, values and example, shapes his daughter’s understanding of dignity, trust, and what healthy love should look like. Children do not only hear what parents say, they absorb who they are.
That is why the Torah places such holiness around the beginning of life. The bond between mother and child, and between father and daughter, is not just biological. It is spiritual, formative, and lasting.
The Parshah reminds us that raising a child is not only about providing for them. It is about imprinting values, character and faith. The home is where the soul begins to learn how to live.
I am especially grateful to my parents and my in-laws, and for my love for our two special children (as well as parents of special friends), whose love, support and example continue to guide our family. What greater Zechus (privilege) can there be than helping shape another neshamah (soul)?
* Peace * Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
April 9, 2026
Candle Lighting: 7:16 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Have you ever had a moment where everything was finally going right… and then it all crashed? That’s the raw tension of this week’s Parshah Shemini.
On the eighth day of the Mishkan’s (portable sanctuary) inauguration our forefathers and sisters gathered buzzing with excitement and celebration. Aaron steps up to offer the first sacrifices. And then shockingly his sons Nadav and Avihu bring “strange fire” and die instantly. Aaron’s response was complete silence.
Parshah Shemini shows us that real spiritual strength isn’t pushing harder. It’s knowing when to stop and let G-d work.
The eighth day represents a breakthrough beyond nature’s seven. Nadav and Avihu show that passion without boundaries can destroy what we are trying to build. Aaron, by contrast, demonstrates a more difficult kind of leadership in that restraint makes room for divine timing.
In our lives, we face “eighth day” moments daily like the reactive email after bad news, the impulse to force a business deal, the lecture when listening is needed. Patience isn’t weak or passive, it’s smart alignment with what G-d is doing.
This Shabbos, apply patience and let’s ask ourselves: Does this need my action or Aaron’s silence?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 27, 2026
Candle Lighting: 6:58 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
In this week’s parshah, Tzav, the Torah describes sacrifices that are burned completely, with nothing held back, and a fire that must never go out. It’s a picture of total commitment, not clever negotiation.
This week I’ve watched the opposite, in business and with families. Deals that were clear suddenly “re‑opened,” inheritances quietly re‑calculated (some actually stolen), percentages shaved off here and there. On paper it’s just numbers, but in reality it feels like someone reaching onto the altar and pulling pieces back for themselves. When we’re on the losing side of that, it’s not only the money that hurts, it’s the feeling that our trust was a discount line item in someone else’s spreadsheet.
Tzav reminds us that Hashem cares not only about the big promise, but about how we handle the details after the handshake especially when contracts close, estates are read, and no one is watching but Him. The question isn’t, “What can I get away with?” but, “If the shoe were on the other foot, would I call this fair?”
Maybe our work this week is twofold:
- To insist on our own dignity without becoming cynical, and to check our heart in every deal we touch in business or in family.
- To ask whether we are bringing a full sacrifice, or only the part that’s comfortable for ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 20, 2026
Candle Lighting: 6:49 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Vayikra means “And [He] called” and opens not with thunder, but with a quiet call of Hashem calling Moses in a voice meant just for him. The whole parshah is about Korbanot which are sacrifices of animals, grain, oil, wine and other substances offered on the altar. For us its taking the raw stuff of life and elevating it. In our lives, we experience our own structured encounters with failure, guilt, gratitude and return. As Jews, we’ve evolved with a deep resilience, bringing a long history of surviving exile, persecution and loss to the altar of history, and in that fire those hardships don’t just survive they are transformed into scholars, billionaires, philanthropists and builders of communities who turn pain into responsibility and blessing.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb wrote the book Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. The fragile person avoids risk, avoids owning mistakes. The resilient person weathers the blow and stays the same. The antifragile person uses the blows they experience as raw material to grow stronger. Like lifting weights breaks down the muscle tissue and makes it grow back stronger. Vayikra’s system is an antifragile architecture for the soul including sin offerings, guilt offerings, elevation offerings. We all stumble, but this is how our mistakes become a bridge to greater closeness, instead of something that pushes us further away.
In our world, we’ve lost burning the sacrifices at the alter, but we still have meetings, balance sheets, kids, investors, and a constant stream of volatility.
The real question is: Do we shape our inner life like fragile fine china, or like the altar itself are we built to withstand the heat and turn it into elevation?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 13, 2026
Candle Lighting: 6:40 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week is Vayakhel-Pekudei: Vayakhel mens “And he gathered” and Pekudei means “Amounts of”. The Torah places these two Parashahs next to each other deliberately. After the detailed instructions for the Mishkan’s (Tabernacle) construction, the people gather and the Torah records the exact accounting of what was given and what was made. Together they teach two complementary lessons: the power of communal coming-together, and the discipline of taking stock.
Our lives are marked by war, rising antisemitism, economic strain, and the pressure of the holiday season. Both lessons are urgent. Vayakhel reminds us that even when fear and uncertainty tempt us to isolate, the Torah’s first response is communal: gather to mobilize strengths, share burdens, and create a shared sacred purpose.
Pekudei, asks us to take a sober inventory. That’s not only about money or resources, but about gaining clarity on what we have, what we need and what can we contribute without breaking ourselves?
Together these ideas speak directly to Passover planning and family tensions. The seders require both gathering family around the table, and making practical decisions about who hosts, who contributes, and how to protect the peace.
The Mishkan was built from voluntary gifts as people gave out of faith for the common good. Similarly, our resilience depends on trust. We must tally grievances without letting the ledger calcify into permanent resentment. Use the holiday as a practice space to bring stories, not complaints. Extend small reconciliations and set clear and kind boundaries when needed.
Good Shabbos and an easy, meaningful lead-up to Pesach.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 6, 2026
Candle Lighting: 5:30 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Ki Tisa means “when you take” and begins with counting each soul, but it challenges us to choose what we take responsibility for. In today’s crazy world nations are “taking” up arms for security, liberty, justice. The war in Iran echoes countless conflicts, forcing us to ask when we fight to “take back” freedom for others, what do we do with it? Do we wield power to build shalom or sow chaos?
Torah offers no unlimited choice. It gives holy boundaries like mitzvot, ideals and a moral frame. When we take our freedom, our voice, our days, our thoughts, will we sanctify life or cheapen it? In our diaspora, this hits harder. We navigate secular pressures, assimilation, antisemitism and the tension between being in the world but not of it. Every choice of what we consume, support and prioritize either draws us closer to kedusha or scatters the light of our Neshama (soul).
Then the Parshah pivots to Shabbos as the antidote. Amid the construction of the Mishkan (nomadic sacred sanctuary) and global noise of the economy, politics, separation and war, Hashem commands us to stop taking. No work and no endless scrolling. Just receive. One day weekly, we all have the choice to take our time and step out of the tyranny into divine rhythm.
Shabbos gives us that space to reflect, realign, and “take” hold of our highest selves. Since we are not in Israel, it anchors us home.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
February 27, 2026
Candle Lighting: 5:21 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s parshah, Tetzaveh, is all about someone whose name is missing and whose character is loud. Moses disappears from the text, but his presence is everywhere. It’s as if the Torah is saying: when a person lives with real humility and responsibility for others, they don’t need their name in lights. Their life speaks for them.
We live in a world that has largely forgotten this. People ghost each other. Commitments are broken with a text or just silence. Business deals fall apart because someone decides to be cute instead of straight. Families stop talking over nonsense. In a culture obsessed with ego, likes, and being “seen,” basic integrity and gratitude feel almost old‑fashioned.
This Parshah pushes us in the opposite direction and reminds us that the real beauty is inside: honesty, responsibility, and a heart that carries the people with love. The external garments were there to reflect an inner truth, not to cover up
a hollow core.
When we choose integrity over manipulation, when we pay what we owe, keep our word, show up on time, and speak honestly even when it costs us, something quiet but powerful happens: we become trustworthy. Trust is what holds marriages together, keeps friendships alive, and makes business partnerships actually work. Trust is also what allows us to feel grateful for what we have, instead of constantly chasing what everyone else has.
So this Shabbos we can ask ourselves: If my name were taken out of the story, what would be left? Would there still be honesty, kindness, a trail of people who feel respected and uplifted by dealing with me?
Because in the end, the greatest Brachah is to look at your life and feel: this is mine, honestly earned, shared with others, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Baruch Hashem!
Shabbat Shalom – Am Yisrael Chai.
February 20, 2026
Candle Lighting: 5:11 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Terumah, meaning “Offering,” calls the people of Israel to build the Mishkan which was the nomadic sacred sanctuary designed to elevate souls through unity and intention in the Sinai desert. The Torah teaches that when we give with purpose, we receive something greater: connection, holiness, and spiritual growth.
But today, we’re witnessing the opposite. People have forgotten basic etiquette. Ghosting has become normal in friendships, families, and business. Rude responses, conversations, emails and texts replace honest conversations. No-shows and silence create stress and disconnection everywhere we turn.
The Mishkan shows us the antidote. Every piece of gold, every curtain, every act of giving required people to show up with presence, reliability, and heart. No ghosting. No rudeness. Just commitment to something bigger.
Each small act of showing up lifts us, just as the Mishkan elevated the Jewish people. When we respond instead of ignore, follow through instead of flake, speak kindly instead of ghost, we build our personal Mishkan in our homes with Shalom Bayis, businesses built on trust and friendships that endure.
Let’s reject the rudeness epidemic. Make one commitment today. Answer that voicemail, email or text. Keep that appointment. Say what we mean. Build our Mishkan of connection, one reliable act at a time.
Imagine a world where no one ghosts, everyone shows up. Now let’s make it happen.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
February 13, 2026
Candle Lighting: 5:01 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Last week we stood at Sinai. There was thunder, lightning, shofar blasts and a most intense spiritual moment in our history. This week, we read Parshah Mishpatim expecting more revelation and instead we get laws about slaves, injury claims, lost objects, interest on loans, and how to treat widows and orphans. It feels like lunch bag let down. But maybe the Torah is teaching that the continuation of standing at Mount Sinai is not another spiritual high, but the way we handle money, power, anger, and conflict every day.
By example, money is where our real choices show up. When it comes to davening, learning, or saying nice words, it’s easy to look spiritual. But the Torah knows that when there’s a deal on the table, a client pushing, a supplier waiting, or an employee depending on us, that’s when our values are actually tested. How we earn, spend, share, and speak around money reveals what we really believe about Hashem, about other people, and about ourselves
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
February 6, 2026
Candle Lighting: 4:50 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Parashat Yitro opens with a surprising truth that this Parshah that contains the giving of the Torah, is named not for Moshe or Am Yisrael, but for Yitro (Jethro), Moshe’s father-in-law, a Midianite priest who chose truth over public opinion.
Yitro leaves his status, his religion, and his comfort because he hears what Hashem has done and cannot ignore it. He risks how people will see him in order to come close to Hashem and to support Moshe. That is our first lesson, that real growth begins when we stop living for other people’s approval and start living for what is true.
Caring for yourself and others sometimes means hearing hard feedback and making real changes. Truly listening is not a weakness. It is the strength to put truth above ego.
Yitro teaches us not to be ruled by what others think. Be guided by Hashem’s will, by honest advice, and by genuine care for yourself and for those around you.
This week, what is one area where we can put truth above ego, listening deeply even when it’s uncomfortable?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 30, 2026
Candle Lighting: 4:30 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah, Beshalach, means “when he sent”. It’s when Pharaoh finally sent the Jewish people out of Egypt. But the story doesn’t end with leaving. Right after the greatest miracle in history, the Parting of the Red Sea, a simple but piercing question appears: What do we do after the miracle?
The sea splits, the enemies drown, the nation sings. And then thirst, hunger & fear. Each new challenge seems to erase the memory of the last miracle. Yet the Torah is teaching us that miracles are not the destination. They are in fact the invitation. Hashem opens the sea, but we still have to walk through it.
I’ve seen in my own life that only faith makes miracles visible. Two people can live the same event and one calls it “luck,” the other recognizes Hashem’s hand.
Beshalach reminds us that faith is not just believing that a miracle can happen but choosing how we live after it. Let’s choose gratitude, with responsibility and the courage to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t yet clear.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 23, 2026
Candle Lighting: 4:40 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Bo tells the story of the final plagues and our liberation from Egypt. Bo means “Come” and calls Moshe into Pharaoh’s presence, marking not just escape, but divine partnership transforming slaves into a nation.
Freedom demands faith in Hashem’s intervention through our actions.
Our forefathers and mothers didn’t wait passively, they marked doorposts, packed, and walked into uncertainty, trusting G-d’s hand. Bo teaches us that liberation starts with personal choice to break our inner Pharaohs of fear and limitation, then builds financial freedom through bold business moves.
This freedom isn’t selfish. It’s the courage to act, knowing divine support follows. Use this freedom for personal growth that sheds habits that hold us back. Pursue financial freedom by building businesses, securing deals, creating wealth not for hoarding, but as a tool for impact. With stability, we give back by supporting family, community, tzedakah, and our institutions.
In 2026’s uncertainty, don’t squander divine freedom. This Shabbat let’s ask ourselves: What’s the bold action toward personal and financial freedom will I take this week, trusting Hashem’s support?
That choice of personal responsibility meeting divine partnership redeems us and the world.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 16, 2026
Candle Lighting: 4:21 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s parshah, Va’era, begins with G‑d saying “And I appeared,” teaching that holiness is not only in open miracles, but in how we choose to see our lives.
In Egypt, the same events were a nightmare for the Egyptians and the beginning of freedom for the Israelites. The facts were identical, but the meaning was different because of who they were and how they saw themselves.
Each of us carries an inner “Egypt” as a narrow mindset that notices what is missing, who failed us and why things cannot change. Real liberation starts when we change the lens, not the scene. It’s when we decide to believe a different life is possible and that our choices matter.
We may not control wars, antisemitism, or the economy, but we do control the story we tell ourselves and how we see other people. Choosing to look for one thing to appreciate, one person to encourage, or one act of kindness we can do today is not naïve positivity. It is our way of partnering with Hashem in Geulah (liberation) and stepping, even slightly, out of our personal Mitzrayim (The Hebrew name for Egypt, but it carries deeper symbolic meaning representing physical and spiritual confinement).
Which one small shift in how we choose to see ourselves or another person will I make this week to start stepping out of my own Mitzrayim?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 9, 2026
Candle Lighting: 4:12 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
The Hebrew word “Shemot” literally means “Names.” Parshah Shemot begins with names but very quickly those names disappear into slavery. Egypt’s Pharaoh doesn’t see souls, only a labor force and quotas. Yet the Torah repeats the names of those who went down to Egypt, as if to say that before you were a number you were children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, individual souls and each called by name.
Today, we also live in a world of numbers: followers, likes, betting and wagers, income and performance KPIs. It becomes easy to measure ourselves purely by output and to forget that Hashem relates to us as persons and not as metrics. But do we all believe in G-d?
“Pascal’s Wager” is a philosophical argument by Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), a French mathematician, philosopher, physicist and theologian suggesting that in a world without certainty, you still must choose how to live. If you live as if there is no G-d and are wrong, you lose everything. If you live as if there is a G-d and are right, you gain everything. And even if you were wrong, you will have lived a life of meaning, integrity and hope.
Shemot invites us to place a bet on Emunah (faithfulness and trust) and this week to act as if Hashem truly knows our name and walks with us out of every personal “Egypt” where we feel stuck or constrained. Our forefathers chose faith over fear. Those and our choices change Jewish history.
If Hashem is calling you by name and not by your metrics, what would you dare to do differently right now?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 2, 2026
Candle Lighting: 4:05 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Vayechi is the final portion in the book of Bereishit and closes with a question that is so relevant today. What does it mean to build something that outlives you?
Jacob gathers his sons, speaks hard truths, blesses and directs them paving the way for the birth of the Jewish nation. In a world obsessed with immediate gratification, FOMO and “the next quarter,” Vayechi reminds that real blessing is measured in decades, not days.
In today’s world people build companies, platforms and brands. But without clarity, conversation and responsibility, it all unravels in the next generation. Jacob does the uncomfortable work of an honest assessment of each child and sets clear expectations.
Now for the practical part:
- Have the conversation you’re avoiding with your spouse, children, partners, or even with yourself before Hashem.
- Ask ourselves If I wasn’t here, would the people around me know my values or just my instructions?
- Let’s spend time this week articulating not what we do, but what we want to continue.
Vayechi means “he lived” because a life is only truly alive when it leaves a clear, intentional legacy.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
Bonus: Visit: www.TorahScope.global for your Torahscope.
December 26, 2025
Candle Lighting: 3:59 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah, Vayigash means “And he approached” and tells the story of Judah pleading for Benjamin’s life, unaware that the Egyptian ruler before him is his brother Joseph.
After years of separation and betrayal, Joseph reveals his identity not with vengeance, but with forgiveness. His response shows remarkable inner strength as he faces his pain yet sees G‑d’s guiding hand in it.
Forgiving someone who has broken our trust demands courage. It does not mean forgetting or excusing the hurt but choosing not to let bitterness rule our hearts.
Joseph teaches us that forgiveness begins when we can look at our pain through faith, recognizing that even deep wounds can become part of a divine plan.
Rebuilding trust takes time and humility. Forgiveness may not always lead to reconciliation, but it frees us from anger’s grip and opens space for healing. Like Joseph, we find strength not in controlling others, but in mastering our own hearts and allowing compassion, rather than resentment, to define our story.
What inner strength does it take to look at those who hurt us and still choose compassion over anger?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
December 19, 2025
Candle Lighting: 3:55 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Hanukkah asks us to remember not only ancient miracles, but the courage of Jews who faced hatred and refused to disappear. This year, as we light our menorahs, we do so in the shadow of fresh pain: the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre in Sydney, where terrorists opened fire at a public Chanukah celebration; the attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur; the firebombing in Boulder, Colorado; and the murder of Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. These are not isolated headlines, but part of a wave of antisemitic violence that echoes the spiritual war of the Maccabees.
In that darkness, a small light matters. Recently, because of this wave of antisemitism a spark of inspiration led me to the creation of www.Torahscope.global as a way to replace pagan-styled horoscopes with a Torah-centered alternative. By converting your birthday into a Hebrew date, connecting it to the weekly parashah, and offering a personalized “Torah Connection,” “Today’s Wisdom,” and “Your Blessing,” it invites Jews and non-Jews alike to see their lives through Hashem’s light, not random “stars.” Please try it and if you like it share it with your community. It’s free.
This week’s parashah, Miketz, reminds us that Joseph’s clarity and faith elevated him from prison to leadership. We may not sit in palaces or parliaments, but our loyalty to truth, justice, and Torah remains profoundly powerful. As we daven for an end to antisemitism and for true Shalom for Israel, let us also commit to spreading more light and more courage.
May our Hanukkah candles burn brighter and longer, proclaiming that the Jewish people live, and that darkness never has the last word.
Question: In a world where antisemitism is rising, what is one concrete way you can add more light and more courage to your daily life this week?”
Shabbat Shalom * Happy Chanukah * Am Israel Chai!
December 12, 2025
Candle Lighting: 3:53 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Recently several people told me The Practical D’var Torah felt written just for them. That’s the beauty of Torah, it speaks to each of us personally. No AI can replicate that. Sure, technology can generate text, but it can’t understand your story or feel your struggles.
This week’s Parshah Vayeshev shows us Joseph’s descent from favoured son to pit to prison. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, yet Joseph doesn’t just survive, he thinks. He interprets dreams, reads situations and leads with wisdom. His power isn’t in algorithms, it’s in critical thinking and human connection.
We face challenges that no chatbot can solve: How do we forgive? How do we find meaning in pain? How do we communicate with real empathy? These require the uniquely human gifts of reflection, faith and relationship. This is the hard stuff.
As Chanukah approaches, may its lights remind us that miracles happen when we engage our minds and hearts, not when we outsource our thinking. Like Joseph, we’re called to be present, thoughtful and real.
Question: What conversation this week needs your authentic voice, not an automated response?
Wishing you and your family a warm, joyful and light-filled Chanukah. May the menorah’s glow bring you peace, gratitude and a little extra hope each night.
Shabbat Shalom * Happy Chanukah * Am Israel Chai!
December 5, 2025
Candle Lighting: 3:53 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s parshah, Vayishlach, follows Jacob as he prepares to meet Esau and he is filled with fear, uncertainty, and inner tension. Jacob’s journey is more than a family encounter it shines a light on our own struggles to rise above the traits, habits and fears that limit us. Our Sages teach: If you know aleph and another knows only half of aleph, teach them. In other words, whatever light we possess which may be wisdom, kindness, or experience, we are meant to share it.
Jacob shows us that growth comes through challenge. He wrestles not only with an angel, but with himself. His transformation is rooted in prayer and faith, reminding us that real change begins when we anchor ourselves spiritually.
Honour and self-worth are not earned through external approval, but through humility, inner strength, and a conscious connection to G-d.
When we channel our thoughts toward purpose and our actions toward goodness, fear loses its hold. We become more resilient, more aware and more aligned with who we are meant to be.
Rabbi Sacks beautifully writes: “Jacob is the one who, at the very moments he feels most alone, discovers that he is not alone.”
Question: What fear or trait can you confront this week and how can you strengthen your faith as Jacob did?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
November 28, 2025
Candle Lighting: 3:56 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s Parshah, Vayetze, follows Jacob as he journeys to Charan in search of a wife. Along the way he enters what anthropologist Victor Turner calls liminal space, which is the space between, between the home he is escaping from and the destination he has not yet reached. In Charan, Jacob meets Rachel and instantly falls in love, but Laban’s warm welcome masks deception, culminating in Leah being substituted on the wedding night.
Many of us walk through life dealing with people who change terms, who take more than they give or who rely on our good nature as a negotiating gap they can exploit. Whether in business, family dynamics or community responsibilities we sometimes find ourselves sitting across the table from a Laban.
What stands out is not Laban’s behavior but Jacob’s response. He refuses to let someone else’s dishonesty shape his own character. He doesn’t become passive or naïve. Jacob following three principles that still work in today’s world. 1. Clarity is not optional: Jacob is explicit in every agreement. 2. Accountability is a spiritual practice. 3. Integrity is not fragility, it’s strength.
The Torah teaches us that even within a flawed environment like Laban’s household, we can build families, wealth, reputation and spiritual resilience by staying true and pure within it. That’s where the blessing lives.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
November 21, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:00 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s Parshah Toldot is a story of Jacob and Esau, twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca that were rivals from the start. They wanted to see who would be born first and to whom their father would bestow the mantle of Jewish leadership. Esau lives in the world of now. He comes in hungry, exhausted, overwhelmed and in that moment of pressure, he trades away his 1st position to Jacob for some lentil stew because he wanted an easy life without responsibility and something immediate. Jacob, on the other hand, represents the opposite instinct as he applied patience, reflection and long-term thinking.
In our world, the bowl of lentils doesn’t look like stew. It looks like the constant buzzing of emails, texts, WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn and endless alerts. Every ping pulls us into the tyranny of the urgent. We react, we respond and we chase the next notification. Slowly without noticing, we trade away focus, peace and spiritual well-being for the illusion of productivity.
This Parshah reminds us that not everything that demands your attention deserves it. Taking care of our bodies and souls requires stepping out of Esau-mode and into Jacob-mode by slowing down, putting boundaries around our time and preserving the things that matter most. A quiet moment of prayer, a mindful breath, a walk and/or workout, a learning session and a conversation that isn’t rushed. These are not luxuries. These are maintenance for the soul.
Let’s learn to pause before reacting and to choose what’s lasting over what’s loud and to protect the parts of ourselves that no notification should ever claim.
Take this week to reflect: Are you feeding your soul as much as you’re feeding your inbox?
Shabbat Shalom Am Israel Chai!
November 14, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:07 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s Parshah, Chayei Sarah, “The Life of Sarah”, opens with her passing at the age of 127. At first glance, it seems paradoxical that a portion about her death is called “The Life of Sarah.” But the Torah is teaching us something profound: a person’s life is not defined by the years they lived, but by the impact they made that continues after them.
Sarah’s influence didn’t end with her death. It continued through Abraham’s mission, through Yitzchak’s (Isaac) path and ultimately through the nation she helped shape. That’s true for us as well. Our lives are really a continuum of past, present, and future which are all happening in the “now.” We carry forward the values of those who came before us and we have the responsibility to extend that chain for those who will come after. When we honor the legacy we inherit and actively build upon it, we create something that outlives us. That is real life.
This message has felt even more real this week. I attended a JNF event and heard from Eliya Cohen who was held hostage for 505 days and his new fiancée Ziv Abud, a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre. Their stories were painful, shocking, surreal… and somehow deeply inspiring.
In a world where so many are suffering and the future feels uncertain, they reminded us that human strength can multiply when we anchor ourselves in the right things. They spoke and taught four principles that can help any one of us become ten times the person we think we are:
1. Find your “Why.” Purpose fuels resilience.
2. Believe in yourself, and have faith in G-d. That partnership gives us the courage to keep going.
3. Use your emotional intelligence. Stay grounded, present and in control when life tests you.
4. Focus on small wins.
Let’s create meaning through the choices we make right now, in our families, our communities, our business and our inner lives.
Like Rabbi Sacks said, “Change yourself and you begin to change your world”. Live proudly as Jews and let’s change the world together.” G-d does not change, we need to change.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
November 7, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:15 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
Parashat Vayera opens with G‑d revealing himself to Abraham three days after the first Jew’s circumcision at age ninety-nine. Weak and in pain, he welcomes three strangers. His act of hospitality shows the power of empathy and to see humanity in others.
Abraham stands before G-d to spare the wicked city of Sodom. He pleads for mercy yet demands justice. He knows that compassion must live alongside accountability.
This is practical even today as we see political leaders including the new socialist mayor of New York speak of equality and fairness as the highest moral good. But Torah reminds us that compassion must be anchored in righteousness, judgment, and law. Otherwise it’s just chaos.
Our world is swinging between extremes of unrestrained capitalism and idealized socialism. The Torah calls us back to the Tree of Life where a path of heart and law coexist. Vayera challenges us to show compassion but never lose sight of truth. We need to help each other and do the right thing, regardless of whether it happens to be fair.
How can we act with compassion and make sure our kindness is guided by wisdom and not just impulse?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
October 31, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:24 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
The boy was eleven years old when his parents decided to sign him up for the synagogue choir. Their hope was simple. That maybe it would cure his tone deafness and prepare him for his Bar Mitzvah portion Lech Lecha.
For two years, he sang (or at least tried to) in a choir that stood front and center in one of Montreal’s largest shuls. Every Shabbos the pews were nearly full and on the High Holidays over a thousand people stood shoulder to shoulder. Reverend Lindenfeld, who led the choir, was firm but kind. On the morning of his Bar Mitzvah, he advised him to drink a raw egg to smooth out his voice.
Lech Lecha opens with G-d’s first words to Abraham: “Go forth… to the land that I will show you.” It’s a mysterious and deeply personal command. G-d doesn’t tell Abraham exactly where to go but only that he must leave behind the familiar and trust the journey. It’s the ultimate act of faith of stepping into the unknown because of a higher calling.
After two years and a raw egg, he too had to step out of his comfort zone. Standing on the bimah to read from the Torah and then deliver his maftir was his own Lech Lecha moment. He didn’t know how it would turn out.
We often resist change out of fear, doubt or simple comfort. Yet Lech Lecha teaches that real growth requires movement. We are called to leave behind what’s easy or familiar, to take risks and to discover who we can become.
And that boy was me. I leaned in, gave it my all and truly felt alive. Sadly, I’m still tone deaf but I learned that faith, courage and stepping forward even if imperfectly, is what really makes our voices heard.
October 24, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:35 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
Parshah Noach introduces us to Noah (the only righteous man) in a world that spiraled into corruption and violence. It was a society so reactive and impulsive that people stopped thinking before acting. Every urge became an action, every emotion a justification. The result? Chaos, destruction, and ultimately the flood.
It’s not so different from our world today. Most of us live with a reactive mind responding instinctively to frustration, fear or anger. We react to people, to headlines, to social media posts without pausing to reflect: “What’s the outcome of this reaction? What would G-d want from me in this moment?” This impulsivity leads to negativity, broken relationships and poor decisions.
The lesson from Noach is that righteousness begins not with perfection, but with restraint and the ability to think before we act. Noah didn’t change the world around him as he chose to walk with God. Meaning he paused, listened and followed divine guidance even when the world mocked him for doing so. That calm and reflective mindset saved him, his family and ultimately humanity.
The choices we make under pressure define the world we create. By thinking first and then acting with intention we can rise above the noise, live with integrity and build a society that no longer needs an ark to survive.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
October 17, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:46 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
Where do we even begin?
On one hand, we’re overjoyed at the return of hostages. On the other, our hearts remain heavy with the weight of every soldier and every innocent life we’ve lost.
This week we begin the Torah anew with Parshat Bereishit, the story of creation, a world formed out of chaos. The moment we read “In the beginning,” we’re invited once again to step into that process. Not just as readers but as co-creators. The Torah isn’t just telling us what was, it’s asking us “What will we create now?”
How do we even begin to answer that?
Interestingly, physics gives us a metaphor. There’s a concept called wave interference. When two waves are aligned their peaks and troughs match and they produce something called constructive interference. The waves don’t cancel each other out. They amplify each other. The energy becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
Think of a conversation where you and someone else really connect where ideas flow and where presence matters. That feeling is something larger being created between you. That’s constructive interference. That’s alignment. That’s creation.
In shul these past weeks, the Rabbis were urging us to align our actions in a way that uplifts those around us. To pray, to study Torah, to give tzedakah, to light Shabbat candles, to do mitzvot not just as ritual, but as a way to protect and join with Jews everywhere in strengthening the bonds that hold us together.
Because when we act in alignment, when we amplify each other’s light and we don’t just react to the darkness. We create something new. We move forward with faith. And like in the very beginning, let’s bring more light into the world.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
October 10, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:59 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s reading for Chol Hamoed Sukkot recalls G-d’s covenant with Moses that he carves the tablets which became the 10 Commandments and the laws that bind Jewish life including our obligation to observe Passover, Shavout and Sukkot.
At the heart of Sukkot is the sukkah itself which is a simple, fragile shelter that teaches profound truths. Its impermanence reminds us that life’s highs and lows are temporary and that our well being rests not on permanence but on G-d’s protective presence. You can feel the vulnerability sitting in a Sukkah which brings humility and gratitude as we share meals with guests and those in need. It’s all about community and compassion.
Sukkot’s call to have faith resonates deeply now. Let’s continue to pray for the new peace in the land and the safe return of all the hostages. Renewed trust in G-d’s presence can only deepen our care for one another and inspire more action for peace and healing.
Shabbat Shalom * Shana Tova u’Mevuar (To a good and bright future) * Am Yisrael Chai
October 3, 2025
Candle Lighting: 6:12 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s Parshah Haazinu is read on the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot and means “Listen”. Interestingly this Parshah has a distinctive two-column format reflecting the poetic structure of the text where in each line an opening colon is matched by a second parallel thought unit. It consists of a 70-line song delivered by Moses to the people of Israel on the last day of his earthly life. Calling heaven and earth as witnesses, Moses urges the people, “Remember the days of old, Consider the years of many generations, Ask your father and your elders and they will tell you how G‑d found them in a desert land and made them a people, chose them as His own.” G-d apportioned the nations setting peoples’ boundaries while designating Israel as a special portion.
These lines in the song hold a tension that feels urgent right now with what is going on in the Middle East. Haazinu’s vision is where our G-d judges rightly and stirs us to pray and to act for peace including comforting the bereaved, seeking to correct the wrongs and to pursue reconciliation with courage.
Shabbat Shalom * Happy, healthy and sweet New Year * Am Yisrael Chai
September 26, 2025
Candle Lighting: 6:26 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
Parshah Vayelech is short but powerful. Moses, at 120 years old, tells the people his time as leader is ending. He passes the mantle to Joshua and urges the nation to “Be strong and courageous, for G-d is with you.” He admits his limits by saying “I can no longer go out and come in” and yet, he doesn’t see that as weakness. Instead, he models true leadership knowing when to step aside and empower the next generation. The Parshah also emphasizes that when we face moments like this in our own lives as parents, mentors, colleagues, strength isn’t only about fighting the battles ourselves. Today we face our own struggles in family, finances, antisemitism and world uncertainty. The lesson is to face them with courage. Let’s carry forward the mission of mentorship and our duty to pass on values and guidance to the next generation.
As we head into Yom Kippur we have to ask ourselves what kind of Jew do we want to be this year? We are the ones who write our own story. When G-d sees that we do this with sincerity, then He will seal it and give us the strength, the courage, and the ability to fulfill what we have written for ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom * Shana Tova U’metukah * Am Yisrael Chai
September 19, 2025
Candle Lighting: 6:39 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s Parshah Nitzavim presents a profound message about the covenant between G-d and the people of Israel and itself means “standing” which emphasizes that we all stand together. Moses tells the people: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life.” These words remind us that even when we don’t choose our circumstances, we can always choose our response.
Life somehow inflicts pain on us and sometimes it comes from others and sometimes from the unexpected. We don’t get to decide whether pain enters our lives, it just shows up unexpectedly. What we do choose is whether to multiply that pain by turning it into ongoing suffering. Suffering is the story we tell ourselves about the pain, replaying the lawsuit, the insult, nursing the loss, or living in fear of the next blow. In doing so, we give pain more space than it deserves. Torah reminds us that we have free choice, and we can limit the suffering by reframing what is true, by leaning on faith, by surrounding ourselves with close family, friends, clients, community, and by choosing resilience over despair. Stand together!
Choosing life means acknowledging the pain without letting it define us. It means deciding how much of our energy, time, and soul we allow suffering to take. By doing so, we make room for blessing, joy, and gratitude, even in the most difficult of times.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, how do we carry the weight of the world and still renew ourselves? The answer is energy. To focus with energy. To pray with energy. To learn with energy. And to embrace life itself with energy.
Shabbat Shalom * Shana Tova U’metukah * Am Yisrael Chai
September 12, 2025
Candle Lighting: 6:53 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah (Charity) and Mitzvah (Good Deed) Reminder
This week’s Parshah Ki Tavo, begins with the mitzvah (good deed) of bringing the “first fruits” (the bikkurim) to the Temple in Jerusalem. The farmer stands before the Kohen (Hebrew word for Priest) and declares his gratitude to G-d for the land, the harvest, and the blessings he has received.
This imparts a profound message about gratitude and thanks to G-d for his hand in our lives and our responsibility as his partner in our lives. We are constantly “bringing first fruits.” Every paycheck, every deal closed, every family milestone is a kind of harvest. But do we pause to acknowledge the journey? Or are we so caught up in the next challenge, the stressed cash flow, the family pressures, the friends that let us down, the constant distractions, the uncertainty, the health concerns, that we forget to stop and say, Thank You?
We have to ask ourselves, what’s one thing I’m doing wrong, that I know I’m doing wrong, that I could fix, that I would fix? Think about that and you will get the answer. It may not be the one you want, but it will be the necessary one.
G-d never changes, but we can change. As we approach Rosh Hashanah Ki Tavo encourages us to ask:
- Are we truly grateful for our blessings and do we show it in the way we act?
- Do our choices reflect the values that we aspire to uphold?
- How do we share our “first fruits” (our talents and resources) with those in need?
May this Shabbat bring light to my wife, my family and to each of you as we share in gratitude and peace together.
Last thoughts, true gratitude is measured not in words, but in actions. The highest form of gratitude is action rooted in faith. That’s the truth straight up. No ads, no sponsors, just Torah.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
September 5, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:06 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Ki Teitzei begins with the words “When you go out to battle”. The Torah speaks of physical battles but on a deeper level it is reminding us that every day we do “go out to battle.” Life presents challenges in holding families together, facing sadness, earning a living, dealing with extended families from 2nd and 3rd marriages and still finding room for love, joy and laughter.
Having faith in G-d gives us the strength to rise above the struggles, to trust that we can meet our responsibilities and still live with purpose and meaning. This Parshah also teaches us about vulnerability. Real growth comes when we step out of our comfort zones with family, work, relationships and introspection allowing ourselves to pause and have gratitude in order to celebrate life’s lighter moments.
Perhaps the lesson is winning life’s battles isn’t about perfection, but about faith, responsibility and the courage to weave joy and laughter into the struggle.
This week, how will we embrace that balance so that we uncover the true blessings hidden in the everyday?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
August 29, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:19 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah is Shoftim and means “Judges”. It is about love that can’t be bought and the call to build just systems. When love is tied to money, the “gift” becomes a bribe and one’s vision gets blurry. Shoftim warns us: “Do not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists words of the righteous.” That line isn’t only about courtrooms, it’s about relationships. The Torah gives us a clear compass: “Honor your father and your mother.” That mitzvah doesn’t depend on inheritance, cheques, cars, trips or whether parents are perfect. It’s not “Honor your parents if it benefits you.” It’s a call to show up, to listen, to respect, and to serve, especially when there’s nothing to gain.
Let’s be honest. Some of us treat parents like an ATM or a future will. They are sometimes known as “Waiters”. If your calls only happen when you need money, you know who you are. Don’t let money rewrite your family truth.
What will we do this week to show our parents or parent figures that our love and our honour can’t be bought?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
In memory of all those who have perished and sacrificed for Am Yisrael.
August 22, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:31 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s D’var Torah is dedicated to my wonderful wife Joni as we celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary today.
Parshah Re’eh presents a compelling message of choice and consequence. It opens by emphasizing the power of choice: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.” This directive encourages us to discern between paths that lead to spiritual elevation and those that lead to decline. Who we surround ourselves with has a direct impact on our lives and on our spiritual growth. Moses warns our people not to adopt the ways of other nations as it will lead them astray from Hashem. The company we keep shapes our values, our actions, and ultimately, our destiny.
G-d grants us the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Our daily actions and who we align with, add light, wisdom, support and multiply our potential to fulfill our purpose.
Who are the people in our lives who genuinely enrich our journey, helping ensure our connections bring out the best in who we aim to be?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
August 15, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:43 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s D’var Torah is dedicated with love and gratitude to my mother Myra on her 90th birthday today. A devoted teacher, she has inspired generations with her love of music, art, family, and laughter. Her life has been a living example of integrity, kindness, and resilience. May she be blessed with continued good health, joy from our family and her many friends and many more years of light, laughter, and wisdom. L’Chaim!
In this week’s Parshah of Eikev (“because” or “as a consequence,”), Moses promises the children of Israel that if they fulfill the commandments of the Torah, they will prosper in the Land of Israel. In the forty years in the desert during which G‑d sustained everyone with daily manna from heaven, was a lesson “that man does not live on bread alone, but by the utterance of G‑d’s mouth does man live.” He rebukes them for their failures as a 1st generation people, recalling their worship of the Golden Calf, the rebellion of Korach and the sin of the spies.
Our existence and connectedness to G-d and each other is to revere all life. The Torah is teaching us that it’s not only the big, dramatic acts of faith that bring blessings, it’s the consistent commitment to the little things. Saying Thank You to Hashem, speaking kindly when no one is watching and choosing honesty in business when it would be easy to cut corners. Its about awareness and seeing the small miracles that really do happen.
In today’s world, where antisemitism is raging, hostages remain in captivity, and morality feels under attack, our response must be to strengthen our covenant through action. We don’t control world events, but we do control our choices. Every “small” mitzvah/good deed builds spiritual resilience, personal integrity, and communal strength. By acknowledging this, we remain humble, grateful, and aligned with the values that truly sustain us.
What’s one small mitzvah we can take more seriously, knowing it could make a big difference in our life and in the world?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
August 8, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:43 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
In this week’s Parshah is Va’etchanan Moses recounts one of the most defining moments in our history, the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. He reminds our people that this was not just an event for the generation that stood there physically, but for all future generations. These words and obligations are eternal and bind us to G-d and to each other.
The Ten Commandments are more than a moral code. They tell us how to live in relation to G-d, faith in Him, observing Shabbat, honoring parents, protecting life, respecting marriage, safeguarding property, speaking truth, and resisting envy.
No matter where we are in time or space, these obligations remain unchanged. We live in a soul crushing world with disturbingly bold antisemitism and where our innocent brothers and sisters are still held hostage by Hamas. Truly overwhelming, but the Torah tells us that our strength comes from doing our part. Staying the course requires unwavering faith, keeping our integrity and leading a meaningful life. It’s not easy. It’s a grind to maintain this persistence, but it is doable and rewarding.
What is one commandment we can strengthen this week as our personal contribution to Am Yisrael?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
August 1, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:04 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This D’var Torah is dedicated to my Aunt Marlene Rabinovich Z”L, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday. Marlene was gracious, kind, and treated everyone with love, warmth and respect. Her presence in our family and community will be deeply missed.
This week’s Parshah Devarim, the first portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses begins his grand farewell speech to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land and reflects on their journey from Egypt, their mistakes, trials and tribulations in the wilderness, and the challenges they’ve overcome.
But more than a history lesson, Mose’s words are a warning. He reminds the people that when they lack unity, courage, and trust, they falter, even though G-d is fighting for us. Fast forward and today Israel stands at a crossroads facing mounting hostility not only from traditional adversaries but also from so-called democratic nations (Canada, France, UK) who now criticize, isolate, and delegitimize her.
Just as Moses warned his generation not to be paralyzed by fear, we too must respond not with despair, but with action, clarity, and faith. Let’s speak up with truth and courage when Israel is misrepresented and support her not only financially, but emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually and live as proudly as Jews strengthening our identity, traditions, and knowledge.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
July 25, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:12 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
The book of Bamidbar closes with the double portion Matot-Masei, that reflects on the long journey of the Israelites through the wilderness with 42 stops over 40 years. These stops were moments of growth, breakdown, rebellion, reflection, and revelation. Each mattered and shaped them.
During this mental health tsunami, which is attested by BDC’s latest report that 36% of business owners feel that mental health challenges interfere with their ability to work. And in Canada and the US, approximately 1 in 5 people experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. By age 40, about half of Canadians will have had or have a mental illness. This journey of personal wilderness feels familiar to many and includes confusion, wandering, isolation, with small moments of light. The Torah maps each Israelite journey and teaches that the wilderness was not a detour, it was actually the path. Reading this Parshah reminds us that every emotional stop counts including the painful ones. They are not setbacks but sacred stages in becoming who we’re meant to be.
When we face mental or emotional hardship, it can feel like we’re lost. But in truth, we may be on a journey toward a deeper understanding of ourselves, of how we relate to others, and of what really matters.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
July 18, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:19 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
In Parshah Pinchas, we meet Pinchas a man driven by passion. Following a devastating plague in which 24,000 Jewish men died, the Israelites began mixing with Midianite women and were soon worshipping their gods. Pinchas executed a Midianite woman and an Israelite man that were engaged in idolatry with a spear. Was Pinchas a hero or a murderer? He stood up for what was right, even in the face of adversity. Pinchas acted with zeal and intensity to stop a national crisis and G-d rewarded him with a covenant of peace. Why would he be rewarded with peace?
Many of us are experiencing a different kind of crisis which is not a moral panic but being emotionally overwhelmed. There is a tsunami of anxiety, stress, burnout, ghosting and anger. People are either acting out or shutting down. The question is, what would G-d want from us now and what do we really want?
Maybe the lesson of Pinchas is even when we feel the need to act, the ultimate goal must be inner and outer peace. The Torah doesn’t glorify anger, it teaches us to elevate the ability to bring about resolution. It’s about the closing the deal and moving on. When we feel mentally stormy, perhaps the deeper act of strength is to pause, breathe, listen, think, exercise and seek reconciliation with ourselves and others.
Where in our daily lives can we bring more peace to our thoughts, our relationships and our reactions?
For me its starts at home with Shalom Bayis and it goes from there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalom_bayit
Good Shabbos * Am Israel Chai
July 11, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:24 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Balak centers on the story of Balak, the Moabite king, and Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by King Balak to curse the Jewish people.
Bilaam had every intention to destroy with his words. Yet, something higher took over. His words were redirected, transformed into blessings. The world today is upside down. We throw words around so casually in meetings, group chats, social media posts, texts etc. But Balak reminds us that words create reality. They can build trust or destroy it, uplift or isolate. This careless speech includes criticism, threats, gossip, and sarcasm tear down communities, families, and teams.
Are the words we speak with and about others both in public and in private building blessings or sowing divisions?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
July 4, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:28 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s parshah, Chukat, takes place in the final year of the Israelites’ desert journey. Among the many events the one that stands out with quiet power is the death of Aaron, the High Priest and brother of Moses. His passing marks a leadership transition and the loss of a man known for loving peace and pursuing peace.
Aaron was the peacemaker. The one who healed rifts, brought people together, and helped restore harmony especially in marriages and family. He stood for “Shalom Bayit” (peace at home) as a way of life.
In our world that feels more divided than ever online, in politics, between friends, even within families, this message hits home. Our relationships are our true wealth. And peace doesn’t just happen. It’s pursued. It’s earned. It’s work.
Chukat also reminds us of the mysteries of faith. We don’t have to understand everything to stay connected to something greater. Some things we follow not because they make sense, but because they give our lives meaning.
In this noisy, chaotic world where can we be more like Aaron and actively pursue peace?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
June 27, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:29 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
In Parshah Korach, we encounter the dramatic rebellion of Korach against Moses’ leadership. Korach is driven by jealousy and ambition and questions his authority which leads to the demise of Korach and his followers. The Torah makes it clear that his motives were rooted in jealousy, ego, his hunger for power and divisiveness within a community.
It is important to note that Moses did not seek power. He was chosen because of his devotion to his people.
Korach’s rebellion wasn’t just political. It was spiritual sabotage. True leadership in Judaism as exemplified by Moses is about responsibility and is rooted in humility and selfless service. In today’s world where leadership is often contested and undermined and trust in authority is low, this Parshah asks us to look inward and reflect on our mission. It should include cultivating unity, humility, and gratitude in our own lives, especially in the areas that we find the most challenging.
Deep down, our soul knows that we must get out of our comfort zone to face those challenges. Each of us has a unique purpose to fulfill and avoiding our mission whether through procrastination or self-doubt only feeds the chaos Korach embodied. Instead, we must embrace the discipline and inner drive needed to create momentum in our lives. By doing so, we can build harmonious and thriving relationships and communities on strong foundations.
What’s one step we can take this week to shift from hesitation to action and purpose?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
June 20, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:29 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah’s name Shelach means “Send” and describes the dramatic mission of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the Land of Canaan. Despite all twelve seeing the same land, only Caleb and Joshua return with faith and confidence in G-d’s promise. The other 10 were overcome by fear and convinced the rest that they did not have the capacity to conquer the land. That led to 40-years of wandering in the desert and ultimately their children would finally get to the Promised Land.
The message is fear distorts reality, while faith clarifies it. In our own lives, especially during these crazy and frequently overwhelming times filled with war and conflict, antisemitism, economic pressures, tragedy, personal loss, and uncertainty, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of the ten spies. But Shelach reminds us that perception shaped by faith can transform paralysis into progress.
If we believe in something higher, like G-d’s plan and in Jewish values of justice, peace, and connection then we don’t need to be perfect, but we do need to act. Don’t hesitate. Initiate. That’s what Caleb and Joshua did, and that’s what Israel is doing to move history forward.
What challenge(s) in our lives can shift if we choose to see it through the lens of faith instead of fear?
June 13, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:26 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Behaalotecha uncovers one significant theme which is the lighting of the Menorah in the completed Mishkan. Aaron is instructed to light the Menorah so that its seven lamps shine forward, symbolizing enlightenment to follow God’s signal and trust in divine timing. This act of kindling the Menorah teaches us about the importance of illuminating our surroundings with kindness, knowledge, and positive actions.
As Israel is dealing bravely with Iran’s chilling call for its annihilation, we are also witnessing the deeply disturbing escalation in antisemitism everywhere around the world. From universities to city streets, the hate is getting louder and louder and our fear more palpable. This Parshah reminds us we do not move alone and that we carry each other, speak up, stay strong and we move forward together. This is our Jewish identity, unity and resilience that is filled with hope.
How can we be the fire that brings light, courage and unity to our people in a time of darkness?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
June 6, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:22 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah, Naso, is the longest in the Torah.
(Disclaimer: Longer D’var this week, plan to read for an extra 30 seconds)
We just celebrated Shavuot which commemorated the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. We celebrated together, ate together and read the Ten Commandments for spiritual renewal and gratitude for divine wisdom. It was truly inspiring to see the community come together.
Naso covers many topics including counting the Levites, laws of the Nazir (who forswears wine, lets his or her hair grow long, and is forbidden to become contaminated through contact with a dead body). G‑d also communicates to Moses the law of the Sotah, the wayward wife suspected of unfaithfulness to her husband. And the long story continues with Aaron and his descendants, the Kohanim, as they are instructed on how to bless the people of Israel called Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing:
“May G-d bless you and protect you.
May G-d shine His face upon you and be gracious to you.
May G-d turn His face toward you and grant you peace.”
I always find it amazing that these ancient words are still said today by parents to their children and by Kohanim in shul and at weddings. We live in a world where many of us are chasing success, struggling with uncertainty, or simply trying to keep up. This blessing is a reminder that sometimes what we need most is protection, light, humility, and peace. The challenge is to remember that we can’t control everything, but we can bring these blessings to those around us through our words, actions, and presence.
Who can we bring a little light, grace, or peace to in our world this week?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
May 30, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:16 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Bamidbar is the first portion of the book of Numbers and means “In The Desert”. It opens with a detailed census of the Israelites in the Sinai Desert reflecting the Israelites’ journey of transformation and reliance on G-d. Moses is commanded to count the people according to their tribes and families, establishing an organized structure for the nation to prepare the Israelites for their journey towards the Promised Land. This is more than a mere headcount. It’s about giving each person a role, a place, and a purpose within the greater mission of the Jewish people. Each tribe had its designated position in the camp and a specific duty. The Parshah reminds us that true fulfillment doesn’t come from standing out, it comes from showing up with humility and purpose.
We live in a world filled with lots of noise, materialism and comparison. The challenge is to ask ourselves if we are showing up in the role that we are uniquely created for?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
May 23, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:10 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
It’s another soul crushing week with the murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim the young diplomat couple, and Mark Carney, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron being on the “wrong side” of justice, humanity and history…and the lousy weather amongst all things expensive. The goods new is we did celebrate Lag BaOmer and soon Shavuot.
This week’s is a double Parshah, Behar-Bechukotai. Behar speaks to the rhythms of time, land, and trust whilst we are introduced to the principles of the Sabbatical year called Shmita. These commandments teach us profound lessons about trust, community, and the relationship between humanity and the land. Every seventh year, the land is to rest, allowing it to rejuvenate. This practice not only promotes environmental sustainability but also underscores our reliance on G-d rather than solely on our own labor. We are not the ultimate owners of our land, our wealth, or even our time. Everything we have is on loan from G-d. True freedom comes not from possession, but from purpose.
In Bechukotai G-d presents us with a choice of blessings. Obedience or disobedience. Follow G-d’s commands and live or abandon them and wither. Our responsibility is to enjoy the fruits that G-d gives us and embrace life. Why not choose a path of integrity and devotion and invite blessings into our lives. If we don’t, then we are letting go of the source of life.
In this world that feels increasingly uncertain and overwhelming, what’s one area of our life where we can pause, reset, and realign with purpose to what truly matters?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
May 16, 2025
Candle Lighting: 8:02 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Emor
Emor is a simple yet profound word. It means “Speak”. God instructs Moses to speak to the about the special laws pertaining to the Kohanim. Not to command or proclaim, but to speak gently with intention and care. Our speech creates connections, reveals our thoughts and bridges the physical and the spiritual. We have arrived on the 33rd day of the Omer when the semi-mourning period ends and restrictions on activities like weddings, haircuts, and listening to music are lifted. The Omer is a journey of self-refinement where we count not just the time but moments of growth. Lag BaOmer reminds us that even in times of mourning, we can speak light into the world. This long weekend is a time to pause, reflect, get renewed and let the world simply be. We all need a break, and our faith provides a divine rhythm for restoration and spiritual growth.
What’s one way you can use your words this week to bring light, healing, or connection to someone you care about?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
May 9, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:53 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
A couple of weeks ago during Rabbi Shanowitz’s sermon he spoke about the increased demand for cremation by Jews. After reading this weeks double Parshah Acharei Mot and Kedoshim his message inspired me.
Acharei Mot means “after the death of” and Kedoshim means “holy ones”. It begins with the statement: “You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your G‑d, am holy.” This is followed by dozens of mitzvot (divine commandments) through which a Jew sanctifies him or herself and relates to the holiness of G‑d. Judaism teaches that the body and soul are partners for fulfilling G-d’s will in the world. Our body is created in G-d’s image, is a vehicle for Mitzvot, and is on loan from G-d. We are commanded to care for our health, avoid self-harm, and treat the body with respect, even after death. Burial is a Torah commandment. So many Jewish people today are turning to cremation. The act of burning your body ends that partnership. Choosing burial also honours the memory of the victims of the Holocaust who had no choice. It also affords us the ultimate redemption which is the belief in the resurrection of the dead. This affirms that the body isn’t temporary trash because it’s part of eternal divine purpose.
Don’t choose cremation. Choose a proper burial that allows the soul to linger with the body for a short time before a peaceful transition. For the sake of loved ones, know that burial is an act of kindness, faith, and deep respect.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
May 2, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:45 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Tazria-Metzora explores the laws of ritual purity and impurity—particularly surrounding childbirth and leprosy. These are ancient topics and are far removed from our everyday lives. But their underlying message is timeless: what we say matters, and awareness is the beginning of healing.
In today’s world, where words are shared instantly and permanently through the bings and bangs of texting and social media, the Parshah reminds us that what we say matters. We often think healing is physical, but healing begins with awareness of our words, our intentions, and our relationships. How we speak has an impact on others. Our words can uplift or isolate, build or destroy. Words matter!
We each carry the power to choose words that bring connection. What would change in your relationships, your community, your business or even within yourself if every word you spoke came from a place of awareness?
* Peace * Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
April 25, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:36 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Shemini begins with the inauguration of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them in the desert. Moses asked Aaron and his sons to climb Mount Sinai to meet G-d. They climbed halfway up and tragedy strikes as Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu, bring a “strange fire” and they suddenly die. Aaron’s response is silence. He doesn’t defend. He doesn’t ask why. He listens. His sons were full of passion, but they acted without guidance. They didn’t listen. Sometimes, deep moments call for listening rather than reacting. And in our everyday lives, that lesson couldn’t be more relevant. Whether it’s our Rabbi, parents, siblings, relatives, friends, or customers — listening is an act of respect, empathy, and connection. As someone who works in sales, I can tell you that the best communicators aren’t the ones who talk the most — they’re the ones who listen best. It’s called Active Listening, which builds trust, uncovers truth, and helps us understand not just what people say, but what they need.
This week let’s ask ourselves:
- Who in our life is waiting to be heard?
- What could change if we listened a little deeper — not just to words, but to what’s behind them?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
April 17, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:27 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
Passover isn’t just about matzah, wine, and retelling the Exodus story — it’s a moment to reflect on freedom and what we’re doing with it, especially that our hostages are still not free. I’m not just talking about freedom from Egypt thousands of years ago, I am talking about freedom to pursue our goals, our growth, and our potential today. Here’s the thing: we can’t move forward if we’re stuck. The Rabbis through their exploration and interpretation of the Torah, tell us that 80% of the Jews didn’t leave Egypt. Why? Not because Pharaoh stopped them — but because they didn’t want to leave. No desire. No confidence. They were too tied to the familiar, even if the familiar meant slavery.
And what is slavery, really? It’s not just physical. It’s mental, emotional, and spiritual stuckness. It’s impulsiveness, distraction, procrastination — all the things that keep us from becoming who we’re meant to be.
The Haggadah reminds year in and year out that we have to get out of Egypt, essentially out of the things that are holding us back. To get out we need three parts: Desire, Confidence and Action (Massive Action!).
When we delay, it’s usually fear talking — fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough. But when we push through and actually start hitting our goals, we get that dopamine hit — and suddenly, we want more. Momentum builds. One win leads to the next.
So here’s the post-Pesach challenge: Don’t wait. Set a deadline. Take the first step. Because how we do anything is how we do everything. We all have moments where we’ve failed or fallen short. That’s normal. But those moments can fuel our fire — they can spark even greater desire to grow. Let’s turn discipline into results, setbacks into motivation, and this spring season into serious progress.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Pesach Sameach.
April 11, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:18 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
Last week, Rabbi Yossi Shanowitz shared a powerful insight that’s stayed with me. He spoke about how bread and matzoh are made from the same basic ingredients, yet the difference lies in what happens when they rise. Bread expands, puffed up with air—symbolic of ego or pride. Matzoh, on the other hand, remains humble and flat. The message was clear: when people “rise”—whether financially, socially, or in status—it can be easy to become inflated with hubris. But the matzoh reminds us of the value of staying grounded and humble, no matter how high we climb. That idea resonated deeply with me, and it inspired this week’s D’var Torah as a poem. Happy Passover!
On Passover night, we break the crust,
A matzoh thin, so plain, so just.
No yeast, no rise, no puffed-up pride,
Just humble flour, baked and dried.
And yet, the dough was just the same,
The bread and matzoh — by another name.
One is rushed, one takes its time,
One stays low, the other climbs.
The bread that rises, bold and wide,
Is like success that swells with pride.
It soars in wealth, in power, in might,
But sometimes forgets what’s wrong and right.
Matzoh whispers, “Stay grounded, stay true,
No matter how high the world lifts you.”
It teaches restraint, in fortune or fame,
To remember your roots, not just your name.
So, as we recline and retell the tale,
Of freedom’s wind and Pharaoh’s pale,
Let’s not just rise for ego’s sake —
But rise with kindness, with hearts that break.
For in the end, what makes us whole,
Is not the rise, but the depth of soul.
Peace * Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
April 4, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:09 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
What is the essence of the soul? Is it celestial, ethereal, or spiritual in nature? Where does one’s soul reside? Is it high above in the clouds, within the heart, or perhaps within the divine presence of God?
This week’s Parshah Vayikra begins with Hashem inviting Moses into the Mishkan and introduces us to the sacrificial offerings brought to the Mishkan. At first glance, these detailed laws about sacrifices may seem distant from our modern lives, but a deeper look reveals a powerful message about intention, effort, and personal growth. The Torah delves into the concept of the soul through the lens of animal sacrifices and the associated laws. Over the past years, we’ve traversed through the depths of a soul-crushing pandemic, high interest rates and now we have tariff wars and real wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. We’ve made sacrifices in so many forms – in our relationships, both personal and professional, in our physical and mental well-being, and even financially with today’s total uncertainty.
Our soul resides within us, akin to the life-giving blood coursing through our veins. Let us seize this moment to rekindle connections with one another, to become attuned to what truly matters, and above all, to exhibit kindness and compassion in our interactions with each other. Vayikra reminds us that what counts is doing our best with what we have.
In these challenging times, how can we shift our mindset to focus on effort rather than outcome? What is one way we can “bring our best offering” this week?
Peace * Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 28, 2025
Candle Lighting: 7:00 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Pekudei wraps up the construction of the Mishkan, giving us a detailed account of every donation and expense. Moshe ensures full transparency, showing our people exactly where their contributions went. At a time when trust in leadership is so shaky, this is a powerful reminder that accountability is key—not just in finances but in all aspects of life.
We definitely live in challenging times. The high cost of living, financial uncertainty in the business world, antisemitism and war with so many struggling to make ends meet. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The Parshah teaches us that even in difficult circumstances, we must stay committed to our goals and values. Our forefathers and mothers didn’t know how they would survive in the desert, but they gave what they could to build something greater than themselves. And when the Mishkan was completed, God’s presence rested upon it, proving that their efforts were worthwhile.
Faith isn’t just about belief, it’s about action. Massive action! When we keep going and grinding, even when times are tough, we create opportunities for blessings and success.
What small step can we each take this week to move forward with faith and purpose, even in the face of uncertainty?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 21, 2025
Candle Lighting: 6:51 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Vayakhel presents a profound lesson on the power of unity and collective purpose within a community. As Moses gathered the Israelites, he emphasized the importance of coming together to build the Mishkan (The sacred tabernacle). No one person could build it alone as it required everyone’s effort, showing us that true greatness comes from working as a community.
This idea goes deeper. When we unite around a shared mission, we don’t just create something meaningful—we invite Hashem’s presence into our lives. Just as every detail of the Mishkan was essential, so too every individual matters. No role is too small, no effort insignificant. We are all part of something greater and we are all important.
The Parshah challenges us to look around and ask ourselves: How can I uplift those around me and contribute to a stronger, more connected community?
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
March 7, 2025
Candle Lighting: 6:41 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s parshah Tetzaveh means “Command” and is unique because it is the only portion from Moshe’s birth until the end of the Torah where his name is not mentioned. Instead, Hashem speaks directly to him with the words – “And you shall command.” This teaches us a deep lesson about leadership: true leaders do not seek personal recognition but focus on their mission and their people.
Tetzaveh is also heavily focused on the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and the special garments he wore when serving in the Mishkan. The emphasis on attire symbolizes the importance of outward appearance and the role of the priest as a representative of the people before G-d. These brought dignity and beauty. But beyond the physical, there lies a deeper message: the significance of inner qualities and spiritual preparation. Since G-d is invisible, we tend to value the oral and the aural. As we navigate our own journey, it’s not the clothes we wear, the car we drive or how we look. It’s in the beauty found in our love for one another and from love flows Shalom Bayis, healthy relationships, abundance and a safe & vibrant Jewish community and …. Insert your wish.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
February 28, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:12 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
As I write this, I’m on a ship passing through the 3 locks of the Panama Canal—an engineering marvel that lifts massive vessels, allowing them to cross from one ocean to another. Watching the intricate system work, there is a connection to this week’s Parashah Terumah, where Hashem commands the Israelites to build the Mishkan, a structure designed to elevate not ships, but souls. Terumah means “Offering”
The Torah teaches that when we give, we actually gain something greater in return. The Mishkan wasn’t just about gold and silver; it was about intention, unity, and creating a space for holiness.
Just as each lock in the Panama Canal lifts a ship step by step, each act of giving and purpose elevates us spiritually. The journey isn’t instant in either case, but with each step—through generosity, kindness, and commitment—we move closer to where we’re meant to be.
Let’s create our own temple—our home with Shalom Bayis devoid of conflicts and animosities, filled with our aspirations and dreams, in which we articulate our goals so that we pave the path towards their realization. Imagine that?….Now make it happen!
Shabbat Shalom – * Am Israel Chai
February 21, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:22 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Mishpatim follows the revelation at Sinai with a series of laws emphasizing that a just society is built not only on divine revelation but on everyday ethical conduct. Is the Torah really just about laws? Laws about cursing a parent, kidnapping, stealing, observance, prayer and how we treat each other. We’ve seen these struggles before—think of Joseph and his brothers. They kidnapped and sold him, fueled by anger and jealousy over his coat of many colors and his dreams. But was their resentment only about Joseph? Or did it stem from something deeper—the way their parents treated them? Perhaps the real issue wasn’t the coat, but the favoritism that made Joseph feel special and his brothers feel unseen.
The Torah’s laws aren’t just rules; they guide us in understanding human nature. They teach us that our actions have consequences. Holiness isn’t only found in miracles but in business dealings, courtrooms and daily interactions. It’s about creating a world where everyone feels valued.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
February 14, 2025
Candle Lighting: 5:02 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
The name of this week’s Parshah, “Yitro,” means “Jethro”. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, hears of the great miracles which G‑d performed for the people of Israel, and comes from Midian to the Israelite camp, bringing with him Moses’ wife and two sons. Jethro advises Moses to appoint a hierarchy of magistrates and judges to assist him in the task of governing and administering justice.
Have you ever considered whether your friends, relatives, or business associates disapprove of certain aspects of your life? Perhaps you excel in one area but fall short in another, and more times than not faced unsolicited advice on what you should be doing differently? Moses sought divine guidance when confronted with challenges and G-d responded by orchestrating plagues, parting seas, and overseeing victory over Amalek.
Yitro’s counsel to Moses implies that partnership is key and that we should not navigate life in isolation. This message encourages us to surround ourselves with respectful and humble partners in both our personal and professional lives. Building a strong support network fosters balance between family, work, and personal well-being, allowing us to thrive. Prioritizing self-care—through proper nutrition, exercise, and ethical living—reinforces this harmony. Let’s lean into strengthening our connection with Hashem and cultivating real and meaningful relationships, so we can navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom, resilience and inner peace.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
February 7, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:52 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Beshalach tells the story of when the Jews were at the red sea and the Egyptians are chasing them and they do not know what to do. The Jews are praying and God turns to Moses and tells him to move forward into the sea. God saves them by splitting the seas and destroying the Egyptian army. Walking through the desert they are thirsty and complain to Moses if God can part the seas why can’t they get water. Suddenly they arrive at an Oasis and then they are hungry. God provides food. As they walk on they are thirsty again and complain to Moses again. Moses says “What am I going to do with these people?”
So, how come they stopped believing in God after what they just witnessed? Why the sudden loss of faith?
The answer lies in the nature of trust. True faith is not built on miracles alone but on consistent reliance on Hashem in everyday life. Our own lives reflect this challenge. While we may have moments of clarity, sustaining faith requires practice, patience, and trust in Hashem’s ongoing presence. The journey through the desert reminds us: faith is not about seeing but about believing, even in uncertainty.
We all notice that the world is constantly changing before our very eyes at every moment. Do not just sit there and wait. Take massive action and keep the faith. Everything you need and want is around the corner.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 31, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:42 PM EST – Tzedakah and Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Bo tells the story of our liberation from Egypt. Bo means “come” in Hebrew and it makes us come to see that the plagues that descended on the Egyptians are the finale of Divine intervention. We went from slaves to becoming a nation that has had a huge impact on humanity. This teaches us an important lesson: freedom isn’t just given—it must be embraced with courage and responsibility. In life, whether in personal growth, business, or spirituality, waiting passively for change isn’t enough. We must take bold steps forward, trusting that when we do, doors will open. Now is the time to seize opportunities for growth and transformation, with faith leading the way.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 24, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:32 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Va’era means “and I appeared” and is about G-d revealing himself to Moses and securing them as His “Chosen People” at Mount Sinai. The Exodus from Egypt revealed G-d’s power through a cascade of plagues that were brought upon the people of Egypt to secure the release of the Israelites from slavery. These plagues were a miracle to our people and remind us of the reality of divine intervention and free will (which is the role of personal choice and actions in shaping our destinies). How do we have faith in our world of extreme adversity? We are facing challenges on all fronts—wars, antisemitism, the soaring cost of living, political and tariff uncertainty, and the mental health tsunami. The Parshah’s striking theme is the interplay between human effort and divine intervention. G-d reassures Moses that it is through his actions, combined with divine power, that redemption will unfold. This partnership highlights that while we may feel inadequate, our efforts are essential vessels for G-d’s plans to manifest. We must confront our personal “Pharaohs” and know that the power of faith is transformative. The balance between personal effort and divine providence inspires us to take responsibility, pursue growth, and actively engage in our journey toward both personal and financial freedom.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 17, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:22 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
The Hebrew word “Shemot” literally means “names.” This week’s Torah portion is Shemot, often called the Book of Names, where we embark on a transformative journey from the bondage of Egypt to the threshold of Mount Sinai. God identifies our people as stars, individually known and cherished, just as every celestial body has a name in our vast universe. The divine intention was for Abraham’s descendants to be as numerous as the stars, making each of us a unique achiever. We are, each in our way, stars that illuminate the darkness, casting light in this world. Much like the stars that seem beyond count, we too bring brightness to the world. One striking theme in this Parashah is the power of individuals to create change. Even in the darkest times, we can take small but impactful steps to bring about improvement. So, continue to shine, navigating life with resilience, optimism and collective responsibility that transcend time. Just as our ancestor heroes paved the way for us, we are reminded that change often begins with the courage to do what is right, no matter the odds.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 10, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:13 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Vayechi is the final portion in the book of Bereishit. It begins with Jacob blessing his twelve sons before his passing, paving the way for the birth of the Jewish nation. As Jacob blesses his sons, his words are not just blessings but reflections on their unique strengths and weaknesses. He recognizes their individuality and assigns each a role in the destiny of the Jewish people. The words we use hold the power to shape destinies. This parshah conveys the profound impact a parent or a mentor’s blessing can have on a person’s life journey as well as the continuity of the Jewish people. The legacy of our ancestors lives on and guides us to fulfill our unique and Jewish destinies. The challenge is to choose our words carefully and embrace the responsibility of creating a positive legacy through our actions and words. Accept the challenge and trust in divine wisdom even when outcomes seem unclear.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
January 3, 2025
Candle Lighting: 4:06 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Vayigash is the last chapter of Genesis portraying Judah’s heartfelt plea to the Viceroy of Egypt, unaware that the official is his brother Joseph. After years of pain and separation, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and despite the betrayal he endured, does not use his power to exact revenge. Instead, he sees the hand of G-d guiding his journey. This Parshah also touches on both the ability to forgive and the difficulty of forgiveness. While Joseph ultimately forgives his brothers, the process is not simple or immediate, and it underscores the complexity of human relationships, especially when betrayal comes from those closest to us. Even in the midst of human conflict, God’s plan is unfolding for a greater good. The message is timeless.
In our own lives, we face many challenges including feeling wronged by others. Whilst forgiveness is ideal, complete forgiveness and trust can be challenging to rebuild, especially within families. It often takes time and acknowledgement of the struggle of forgiving those closest to us who have caused deep pain. Forgiving those who hurt us doesn’t always mean reconciliation is possible. But maybe forgiveness can bring self healing allowing us to release the burden of anger and bitterness, opening the door to peace and growth.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
December 27, 2024
Candle Lighting: 4:00 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Just as we are commemorating Hanukkah’s timeless triumph over oppression, we find parallels in our current struggles. In a world full of antisemitism threatening our identity and values, we face similar challenges to those experienced by our ancestors.
Hanukkah’s miracles, from the enduring oil to the Maccabees’ victory, symbolize divine intervention during our darkest hours. In this week’s Torah portion, Miketz, Joseph’s insight earns him respect. We may not hold political offices but our commitment to truth, justice, and Torah empowers us. As we continue our prayers for the annihilation of Hamas, return of the hostages, the safety of the IDF and peace in Israel, may our commitment to our heritage guide us toward a world enlightened by Hashem’s intended peace and respect. Let’s continue to sustain the Hanukkah candles, making them burn brighter, longer.
Shabbat Shalom * Happy Hanukkah * Am Israel Chai!
December 20, 2024
Candle Lighting: 3:55 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Last week, a friend remarked that The Practical D’var Torah felt as though it had been written specifically for them, even asking how I could have known exactly what they were experiencing. In truth, the beauty of each Parshah lies in its ability to resonate personally with each of us including yours truly. The messages are deeply practical and universally relevant, reflecting the shared challenges and experiences we all navigate in our lives.
At first glance, this week’s Parshah Vayeshev is a story of betrayal and fractured family ties, but a deeper look reveals profound lessons about faith, resilience, and divine providence. Joseph’s journey—from the depths of a pit to becoming a leader in Egypt—reminds us that even in moments of despair, G-d’s plan is unfolding.
This teaches us that challenges in life are not random. Often, what seems like misfortune can become the foundation for growth and redemption. The Torah teaches us not to diminish our challenges but to place them in context. Our difficulties may seem insurmountable at times, but we are resilient. Despite these tests, we are part of a long history of strength, faith, and unity and we will endure and emerge triumphant.
As we approach the festival of Chanukah, may its lights inspire us to find hope in dark times and remind us that, like Joseph’s journey, even the smallest spark of faith can lead to miracles.
Question: What small act can we take this week to bring light into our own lives and the lives of others?
Shabbat Shalom. Am Israel Chai!
December 13, 2024
Candle Lighting: 3:53 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
In this week’s parshah Vayishlach, Jacob’s journey toward reconciliation with Esau reflects a deep internal struggle to overcome fears and personal limitations. In a nutshell it teaches us to share the teachings of the Torah. So, if you know the aleph bet and someone knows aleph and not bet, teach them. Our purpose is to realize our full potential by cultivating a positive mindset, leveraging our experiences, and shaping our thought patterns to align with growth and purpose. We have certain characteristics and fears, and we need to rise above the traits and fears that are holding us back. Personal growth only arises from struggles, and we have many. Jacob’s reliance on prayer shows that true transformation only occurs when grounded in faith. Honour and self-worth come not from external validation but from our inner strength, humility, and connection to God. By consciously channeling our thoughts and experiences into constructive action, we are reminded that faith and resilience can guide us through life’s difficulties, allowing us to emerge stronger and more connected to our higher purpose.
Quote from Rabbi Sacks. “Jacob is the one who, at the very moments he feels most alone, discovers that he is not alone, that God is with him, that he is accompanied by angels.”
Question: How can you identify and overcome a fear or trait holding you back this week, and in what ways can you strengthen your connection to faith as Jacob did in his transformative journey in this Parshah?
Shabbat Shalom *** Am Israel Chai!
December 6, 2024
Candle Lighting: 3:53 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Vayetze, recounts the journey of Jacob as he travels to Charan in search of a wife. In a dream, he finds himself in what the anthropologist Victor Turner called liminal space – the space between – between the home he is escaping from and the destination he has not yet reached, between the known danger of his brother Esau from whom he is in flight, and the unknown danger of Laban from whom he will eventually suffer a great wrongdoing. His destination is Charan, where he meets his cousin Rachel, and their immediate connection leads to love at first sight. Jacob is warmly welcomed by his soon-to-be father-in-law, Laban. However, on the wedding night, Laban deceives Jacob by substituting Rachel with her older sister Leah. Despite initial challenges, including Rachel’s infertility, she eventually gives birth to Joseph. Jacob’s sons go on to play significant roles as leaders of the Israelite tribes.
Rabbi Menachem Feldman wrote: “The angels ascending and descending the ladder represent the flow of spiritual energy between the divine and the earthly. This vision reassured Jacob that even in the challenging environment of Charan, he could elevate the physical world and sanctify it with divine purpose.”
The Parshah highlights themes of deception alongside the transformative power of perseverance, working towards goals, belief in oneself, and taking massive action. It teaches that success stems from recognizing our potential and overcoming fears through personal growth and resilience. Fears can be conquered by strengthening our inner selves, supported by the encouragement and guidance of family, spiritual leaders, friends, and trusted colleagues. Through this collective effort and unwavering faith in God, we have the ability to triumph over life’s many challenges.
Shabbat Shalom *** Am Israel Chai!
November 29, 2024
Candle Lighting: 3:55 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah is Toldot. It is a story of Jacob and Esau, twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca that were rivals from the “get go” to see who would be born first and to whom their father would bestow the mantle of Jewish leadership. This reflects a deeper theme between immediate gratification and long-term responsibility. Esau driven by instant relief and ease, sold his 1st position to Jacob for some lentil stew because he wanted an easy life without responsibility. The Parshah challenges us to consider the consequences of our choices and the mysterious complexity of divine intervention in our lives.
In today’s world we face a similar battle of immediacy. The constant pings of emails, texts, WhatsApp, social media, DMs and phone calls pull us away from meaningful interactions. We check our phones during conversations, interrupt family time for calls, and let the demands of the digital world intrude on moments that should nurture our souls.
Think about the needs of your soul, not just your body. Our lives are only as rich as the integrity we uphold and the care we show to others. It’s in acts of kindness, charity, and being a devoted son, daughter, parent, spouse, friend, neighbor, or colleague that we cultivate a life of meaning.
Take this week to reflect: Are you feeding your soul as much as you’re feeding your inbox?
Shabbat Shalom Am Israel Chai!
November 22, 2024
Candle Lighting: 3:59 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah is Chayei Sarah – which translates to “The Life of Sarah” and focuses on her death after having lived to the age of 127. What is the nature of life and the legacy left? Life is not measured just in years lived, but by the impact one makes. Our lifetime is filled with moments that are really a continuum of past, present and future. But really it’s always now. By honoring and building upon the contributions of those who came before us, we help create a legacy that transcends our individual lives. This continuity ensures that the values, wisdom, and kindness we inherit are preserved and passed forward, lighting the way for future generations to thrive.
People are suffering and the world is in a precarious state. Like Rabbi Sacks said, “Change yourself and you begin to change your world”. Live proudly as Jews and let’s change the world together.” G-d does not change, we need to change.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
November 15, 2024
Parashat Vayera opens with Abraham hosting three mysterious visitors, who foretell that Sarah will bear a son despite her old age. This scene illustrates the importance of welcoming guests. His hospitality goes beyond mere custom; he demonstrates profound empathy, taking care of strangers as if they were family.
The Parasha later reveals challenging tests of faith, including Abraham’s negotiation for Sodom and Gomorrah and the sacrifice of Isaac. Abraham’s courage to plead for Sodom shows his commitment to justice, willing to challenge even God for the sake of the innocent. Yet in the offering of Isaac, we see Abraham’s unwavering obedience and trust in God’s will, even when it defies his understanding of justice. Consider that the Torah is the tree of life, and it comes with a path paved with Tzedek, Mishpat and Din (Hebrew words for righteousness, judgment, and abiding by the law.) The right thing to do and the just thing to do within the law. We need to help each other and do the right thing, regardless of whether it happens to be fair. Walk down the path of the tree of life making the right decisions, balancing empathy with integrity, trust with advocacy, in our own lives and our relationships.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
November 8, 2024
This week’s Parshah is Lech Lecha (My Bar Mitzvah Parshah and my great friend Mark’s son Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah tomorrow) and it chronicles the life of Abraham, who was selected by G-d to found the Jewish people. The name Lech Lecha is taken from G-d’s first words to Abraham: “Go forth….to the land that I will show you.” This call to “go” is deeply personal and mysterious; G-d doesn’t specify the destination, only promises blessings and a great legacy. His journey embodies the faith to step into the unknown, leaving his comfort zone to fulfill a divine purpose. We often resist change due to fear, doubt, or complacency. It’s in these moments when the path is unclear Lech Lecha encourages us to lean into change, be courageous and be willing to transform ourselves by growing, learning, discovering and fulfilling our potential. And when you lean in, you really feel alive!
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
November 1, 2024
Parshah Noach introduces us to a world steeped in corruption and violence, which G-d decides to cleanse through the flood. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of both the good and evil human behavior we see today and the importance of our relationship with G-d. We are reminded of the impact of our actions on the world. Just as humanity’s corruption led to the flood, and now pure evil trying to annihilate us, our choices can shape the fate of our people and our planet today. It encourages us to be stewards of the Earth and live with authenticity, morality, and righteousness.
What does it mean to be righteous in a world that needs healing? Noach’s journey shows that righteousness is not a one-size-fits-all attribute. Sometimes, simply “walking with G-d” is enough to withstand societal decay. Noach reminds us that while personal integrity is essential, true righteousness also challenges us to engage with the world, to influence positively, and to work towards a society where no one would need an ark to be saved.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai!
October 11, 2024
Last Sunday, my friend Levi and I visited the OHEL. It was a deeply profound experience that reminded us of the Rebbe’s unwavering belief in our innate goodness and infinite potential to create positive change. He entrusted each of us with the mission to elevate ourselves—and the world—one step at a time, through simple, meaningful acts of kindness every day. And in my opinion, the world’s best entrepreneur, that organically established over 5,000 locations across the globe spreading this message.
Yom Kippur stands as the most sacred day of the year, a day when our connection to G-d and the deepest essence of our soul is at its pinnacle. Let’s embrace the power of repentance and reflection. It’s a day to seek forgiveness and reconnect with our inner selves and G-d. Just as we fast from food, may we fast from negativity, paving the path to spiritual renewal and a year of blessings. It is the Day of Atonement—“For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d” (Leviticus 16:30).
“Yom Kippur is a day of forgiveness for those who return. But then, every day is a day of forgiveness for those who return. Yet Yom Kippur is an entirely different story. Because on any other day when a soul returns, her misdeeds are discarded. On Yom Kippur, when a soul returns, she is held in tight embrace. Within the fire of that embrace, there never were any misdeeds.” יין מלכות, ספר המדע סימן לג
May you and your family be inscribed in the Book of Life for goodness, kindness, health & prosperity. Please accept my heartfelt wishes for a meaningful fast, and if I have inadvertently offended you in any manner, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.
Bonus: I learned from the Rabbi’s sermon last Yom Kippur that the word for love in Hebrew is “אַהֲבָה” (ahavah) and it means to give. We associate love with a feeling, but when we give to our partners the love is even deeper.
Chag Sameach * Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
October 2, 2024
As we enter Rosh Hashanah, we begin a period of deep reflection and renewal. It’s not just a time to celebrate creation but also an opportunity to recreate ourselves. Rosh Hashanah is known as the “Day of Judgment,” when God reviews our actions from the past year. However, it’s also filled with hope and potential, as we are given the chance to return to our best selves—through Teshuvah (repentance), Tefillah (prayer), and Tzedakah (charity). We all need a break from the soul crushing attacks on Israel and growing antisemitism around the world. Our faith provides a divine rhythm for restoration, spiritual growth and unity. The shofar’s blasts awaken us to the urgency of change, reminding us to realign our actions with our values and seek to improve both our relationship with G-d and with those around us. Let’s plan for a year filled with sweetness, health, joy, righteousness, prosperity and peace.
Shana Tova U’metukah * Am Yisrael Chai
September 27, 2024
Candle Lighting: 6:23 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
Parshah Nitzavim-Vayelech presents a profound message about the covenant between God and the people of Israel and itself means “standing” which emphasizes that we all stand together. This highlights the idea of unity and collective responsibility. Each of us has a vital role to play in the spiritual journey of our nation Israel, regardless of status or background. The Parshah also emphasizes the accessibility of Torah and that it is within reach for all of us who seek to understand more, live by it and integrate G-d’s wisdom into everyday life. It also rereminds us of the importance of mentorship and preparation for the future and our duty to pass on values and guidance to the next generation.
As we head into Rosh Hashanah how can we deal with all the heaviness in the world and re-energize? Focus and concentrate on everything we do with energy. Pray with energy. Learn with energy. Invest energy into relationships. Embrace life with energy.
“How you do anything is how you do everything.” Martha Beck
Shabbat Shalom * Shana Tova U’metukah * Am Yisrael Chai
September 20, 2024
Candle Lighting: 6:37 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Ki Tavo imparts a profound message about gratitude and thanks to G-d for his hand in our lives and our responsibility as his partner in our lives. The parshah also speaks to the law of Ma’aser (tidings) where we separate some of what we grow each year and give some to the needy. This act is a reminder of our dependence of keeping the faith and the abundance of blessings in our lives.
We need to ask ourselves: What’s one thing I’m doing wrong, that I’m fully aware of, that I have the power to change, and am willing to change? Reflect on that, and the answer will come. It might not be the answer you want, but it will be the one you need.
God never changes, but we can change. As we approach Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays, this message becomes even more significant, inviting us to reflect on our actions and renew our sense of gratitude.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
September 13, 2024
Candle Lighting: 6:50 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah is Ki Teitzei speaks to the mitzvah to wipe out the memory of Amalek. It is one of the most troubling and confusing commandments in the Torah. How could the same Torah that states that humanity is created in the Divine image, also command us to wipe out an entire nation from the face of the earth? It seems like a brutal and violent command. In fact, having faith in God gives us the power to know that we can win the battle, be above the challenge, and be confident in our actions. It also shows us how to relate to vulnerability. It’s our job to step in for those who are weak, and in need and take responsibility to support them and lift them up. We should have the moral obligation to combat cruelty and injustice and make sure these people are not erased or forgotten.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
September 6, 2024
Candle Lighting: 7:04 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
In this week’s Parshah, Shoftim, we learn about creating a just and ethical society, emphasizing fair judgment, responsible leadership, and the sanctity of life. In Pharaoh’s time, power was hierarchical: with the people at the bottom, taskmasters and officers in the middle, and Pharaoh, the king, at the top, dictating commands. This ancient structure can relate to modern workplaces, where managers, bosses, or clients take on the role of the “officers.”
Imagine an employee needing time off to care for a sick relative or attend a child’s school play. Does the boss grant them that time, trusting they’ll make up the productivity? As Shoftim reminds us, our duty is to treat people with compassion, not as mere cogs in a machine. When we see employees and suppliers as human beings, respecting their needs, they are likely to deliver more because they feel appreciated. Compassionate leadership fosters resilience, humility, fairness, truth and loyalty—traits that lead to success beyond mere productivity.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
In memory of all those who have perished and sacrificed for Am Yisrael.
August 30, 2024
Candle Lighting: 7:17 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
This week’s Parshah Re’eh presents a compelling message of choice and consequence. It opens by emphasizing the power of choice: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.” This directive encourages us to discern between paths that lead to spiritual elevation and those that lead to decline. The Parshah also speaks to the many laws including laws about destroying idolatry when you enter a land and laws about what kind of animals you can and cannot slaughter and laws about where and how to bring your sacrifices. What does this mean for us in our world? That our choices shape our spiritual and moral destiny. G-d grants us the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Our daily actions, no matter how small, contribute to the blessings or challenges we experience. Re’eh calls us to be mindful of our decisions, encouraging us to choose paths that lead to growth, kindness, and a deeper connection with God. And know that G-d helps those who help themselves. Choose blessings over curses, make the extra effort, enjoy the mitzvah of charity, call a family member, a friend, business associates, sales prospects and give a lot more than you expect to receive…and smile knowing you did your best.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
August 23, 2024
Candle Lighting: 7:29 PM EST Montreal – 7:23 PM New York City – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
In this week’s Parshah of Eikev (“because” or “as a consequence,”), Moses promises the children of Israel that if they fulfill the commandments of the Torah, they will prosper in the Land of Israel. In the forty years in the desert during which G‑d sustained everyone with daily manna from heaven, was a lesson “that man does not live on bread alone, but by the utterance of G‑d’s mouth does man live.” Our existence and connectedness to G-d and each other is to revere all life. I do not believe that G-d directly punishes us in order for us to take responsibility for our actions as we walk through life with purpose. The lesson here is timeless: we must cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude in our lives. When we achieve success, it’s easy to take full credit, forgetting the support, guidance, and opportunities that made it possible. Eikev teaches us to remember that everything we have is a result of divine kindness and the efforts of others before us. By acknowledging this, we remain humble, grateful, and aligned with the values that truly sustain us. With is we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Yisrael Chai
August 16, 2024
Candle Lighting: 7:41 PM EST Montreal – Tzedakah & Mitzvah Reminder
In this week’s Parshah is Va’etchanan, Moses passionately pleads with G-d to enter the Promised Land. Although his request is denied, Moses continues to guide and inspire the Israelites with unwavering dedication. This moment teaches us the profound lesson of accepting G-d’s will, even when it doesn’t align with our own desires.
Moses predicts that in future generations the people will turn away from G‑d, worship idols, and be exiled from their land and scattered around the world. Many have, but when we have faith and trust in the oneness, great things befall. I call them miracles and they do happen in our everyday life when we believe and do our part. Judaism is built on ethics, conscience and morality. These obligations define us as human beings created in the image of G-d. In this world of hatred and malevolence, staying the course requires unwavering faith, keeping our integrity and leading a meaningful life. It’s not easy. It’s a grind to maintain this persistence, but it is doable and rewarding.
Shabbat Shalom * Am Israel Chai
These Practical Dvar Torah Insights guide us in understanding the deeper meanings behind our weekly readings, offering Practical Dvar Torah Insights for our daily lives.
In this week’s discussion, discover more Practical Dvar Torah Insights that challenge us to balance compassion with truth.
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These Practical Dvar Torah Insights provide a framework for understanding the teachings within Parashat Vayera.
In the spirit of Practical Dvar Torah Insights, we reflect on how we can embody these lessons in our daily lives.
These Practical Dvar Torah Insights guide us in understanding the deeper meanings behind our weekly readings.
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Practical Dvar Torah Insights for Everyday Life